Lupe Fiasco Joins Johns Hopkins as Hip Hop Professor in Groundbreaking Program

Lupe Fiasco’s appointment as a Distinguished Visiting Professor at Johns Hopkins University’s Peabody Institute marks a monumental moment in the integration of Hip Hop culture into higher education. With this new role, he joins a growing group of artists and scholars pushing the boundaries of how Rap music and Hip Hop are perceived in academic circles. As part of this groundbreaking four-year Hip Hop degree program, Lupe will teach Rap and its cultural significance, using his career and experiences to provide students with a unique perspective on the genre.

Lupe Fiasco’s Influence in Academia

This isn’t the first time Lupe has combined his passion for Hip Hop with academic pursuits. He has long been a voice for Hip Hop education, serving as a lecturer at MIT and completing a fellowship at Yale University. His role at Johns Hopkins is the culmination of years of work to position Rap as not just an art form but an important part of social and cultural studies. By joining an institution like the Peabody Institute, he will have the opportunity to influence a new generation of artists and scholars.

The Peabody Institute, with its rigorous training and long-standing tradition of excellence, is a fitting place for Lupe Fiasco to continue his mission of elevating Rap as both an artistic discipline and a tool for social change. In his Instagram post, Lupe acknowledged the weight of this opportunity: “The Peabody Institute is one of the oldest music conservatories in America, world-renowned for producing some of the world’s greatest musicians.”

Expanding Rap’s Influence

By joining the Johns Hopkins faculty, Lupe will teach students not only about Hip Hop’s history but also its influence on society. He believes Rap music is a powerful cultural force, deserving of serious academic exploration. Through his work, he hopes to inspire young minds to see the vast potential in Rap—from its poetic lyrics to its ability to challenge societal norms and spark social movements.

One of the most exciting aspects of the new Hip Hop Degree Program is its emphasis on Rap music’s global influence, from its roots in African American communities to its present-day status as a worldwide cultural phenomenon. Lupe’s personal insights into the evolution of Hip Hop, from its underground origins to its mainstream success, will give students a deep understanding of how music can be both a reflection of society and a catalyst for change.

Balancing Teaching and Music

While Lupe is stepping into this new academic role, he hasn’t slowed down his musical career. In 2024, he dropped his ninth album, Samurai, a project that demonstrates his evolving artistry and continuing relevance in the music scene. Furthermore, the announcement about his return to Child Rebel Soldier (CRS) suggests that his commitment to collaboration and creative exploration remains strong.

Despite the challenges, like the cease-and-desist from Radiohead over his “Shrink” freestyle, Lupe remains unbothered and dedicated to his craft. His candid and humorous approach to these challenges speaks to his ability to navigate both music and academia with ease.